An over-age ruck who wrote her name into Western Jets history with the winning goal in the 2022 NAB League Girls Grand Final, Krystal Russell returned as an over-ager to the program in 2023. The Jets did not reach the heights of the previous year, but Russell still added a further nine game to her name averaging 29.6 hitouts from 9.2 disposals.

Russell's ability to command a presence in the ruck earned her a place in the Under 23 All-Stars side against the AFLW Academy, and then again stepping up to Vic Metro. She found the going tougher there against more athletic rucks, but still dominated through the Talent League in the role. Her speed and kicking are the areas of improvement, as you would expect from a physical strong ruck who does her best work at the stoppages.

What Russell lacks in athleticism, she makes up for in her second efforts and contested work, using her frame to best advantage and asserting her influence through her physicality. A readymade option for AFLW clubs the tall also enjoyed playing through the VFL Women's with Essendon and has nominated Victoria for the upcoming draft.

STRENGTHS:

- Ruck craft
- Physicality
- Strength
- Contested work
- Second efforts

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Speed
- Versatility